Caps can’t beat Howard, fall to Rapids in Canada Day clash at BC Place

Vancouver Whitecaps FC (6W-7L-5D) saw their five-match home unbeaten run come to an end on Sunday with a 1-0 defeat to Colorado Rapids (4W-9L-3D) at BC Place.

Photo by ISN photographer Simon Fearn

The ‘Caps controlled over 70 per cent of possession on the afternoon and outshot Colorado 25-9, forcing Rapids keeper Tim Howard into a whopping 10 saves, but a 43rd-minute own goal proved the difference between the two teams.

Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson made five changes to his starting lineup on Sunday after last weekend’s defeat in Philadelphia, including a return to action for captain Kendall Waston. But Waston, who became the first active Whitecaps FC player to play and score in the World Cup on Wednesday, would leave the match at halftime with a groin strain.

Photo by ISN photographer Simon Fearn

The ‘Caps, who were without centre back Jose Aja, attacking midfielder Yordy Reyna, and Cristian Techera due to suspension, were all over Colorado from the get go.

Marcel de Jong delivered a number of dangerous crosses from his left back position and Alphonso Davies threatened as usual – this time playing on the right wing. Davies, in fact, created Vancouver’s best chance of the first half, beating his man before finding Nicolas Mezquida in the centre of the box in the 28th minute. But Mezquida could not beat Howard, who was busy all afternoon.

Photo by ISN photographer Simon Fearn

The Rapids, who sat deep in a defensive 5-4-1 formation, would break the deadlock against the run of play in the 43rd minute. Brian Rowe made a fantastic save in the build-up, denying Joe Mason from close range after Yannick Boli hit the crossbar at the back post. But the rebound bounced off de Jong and into the back of the net, giving Colorado the advantage just before the break.

Photo by ISN photographer Simon Fearn

The ‘Caps continued their onslaught in the second half. Striker Kei Kamara, who had a game-high eight shots, looked the most likely player to score and came within inches of doing so in the 72nd minute, heading a Jordon Mutch cross off the bar.

In the end, despite dominating nearly every offensive statistical category, the ‘Caps were forced to walk away empty handed.

Photo by ISN photographer Simon Fearn

Whitecaps FC are back at BC Place next Saturday, hosting longtime Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and his Chicago Fire.

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